Inside The Star-Studded amfAR Gala In Los Angeles With Katy Perry, Heidi Klum And More

Photo Credit: Kevin Tachman

The ninth annual amfAR Gala Los Angeles debuted with a star-studded lineup, drawing in the likes of Orlando Bloom, Darren Criss, Heidi Klum, Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow, and Robert Pattinson at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. The philanthropic event honored special guests Katy Perry and TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie this year as they were presented with amfAR’s Award of Courage. Perry and Mycoskie were chosen due to their tireless commitment to the fight against AIDS and other humanitarian causes.

Photo Credit: Kevin Tachman

A-listers entered the lavish affair dressed to impress and posed along the way outside on the red carpet. Inside, they clinked glasses of Perrier-Jouët Champagne and delicious Absolut Elyx Vodka signature libations Guests were treated to a decadent meal as well as a live performance by the legendary Dame Shirley Bassey and a lively stand-up comedy set from host Chris Tucker. In honor of Perry’s award, Emmy Award-winner Darren Criss performed a special rendition of Katy Perry hits that had the crowd dancing on their feet.  In total, the event raised more than $1.7 million to directly benefit amfAR’s lifesaving research programs.

Photo Credit: Kevin Tachman

A major part of the proceeds came from the over-the-top live auction items, which were auctioned off by Simon de Pury. Bidding items a day at Disneyland for six guests with personal guest Katy Perry; a golf outing and lunch with Andy Garcia; a Rolex “DeepSea” Edition watch signed by H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco and tickets to the Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean; an exclusive invitation to attend the 2019 Monaco ePrix and gala dinner as the guest of H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco and so much more. 

Photo Credit: Kevin Tachman

Additionally, global investment firm Bain Capital made a general cash call donation of $50,000 to close the fundraising of the philanthropic event on a high note. Longtime amfAR supporter Frederik Eklund also made a $30,000 cash donation.

Other notable attendees included Zack Bia, Ian Bohen, Matt Bomer, JR Bourne, Charlie Carver, Jon Corzine, Tara Dollinger, Tommy Dorfman, Carmen Electra, Max Emerson and Andres Camilo, Eve, Mayor Eric Garcetti, amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Milutin Gatsby, Gigi Gorgeous and Nats Getty, Kat Graham, Anwar Hadid, Delilah Belle Hamlin, Tricia Helfer, Barron Hilton, Tyler Hoechlin, Sarah Hyland, Kandee Johnson, Victoria Justice, Jaime King, Viktor Luna, Gilles Marini, Ongina, Robert Pattinson, Tyler Posey, Grant Reynolds, Luka Sabbat, Katee Sackhoff, Jeremy Scott, Milissa Sears, Stephanie Shepard, Travis Shinn, Robin Thicke, Luke Wessman, Rumer Willis, Brittany Xavier, Jason Kim and Romain Pavee. 

Photo Credit: Kevin Tachman

“Pernod-Ricard has remained a longtime supporter of amfAR, partnering with various Galas in cities around the world. It’s an amazing cause and a wonderful evening of giving back that we are proud to join and continue to support,” said Jason Kim, Director of Pernod-Ricard USA Prestige.

Pernod Ricard was the Signature Partner, featuring Perrier-Jouët Champagne and Absolut Elyx Vodka. Bain Capital was the Associate Sponsor. Delta Air Lines is the Official Airline of amfAR. 

For more information, please visit http://amfar.org/LA2018/ or email amfargalalosangeles@amfar.org.

Photo Credit: Kevin Tachman

Photo Credit: Getty Images